Named serious danger of low blood sugar levels

Researchers from the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a new connection between hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and damage to the barrier between blood vessels and the retina of the eye. This discovery helps to better understand the mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy development - a dangerous complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss. The results are published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

The study found that during hypoglycemia, the level of HIF protein (hypoxia-inducible factor) increases in the retina, which triggers abnormal vessel growth and leakage, disrupting the blood-retinal barrier - a key protective structure of the eye.

Experiments on mice showed that this effect occurs only in diabetic animals: hypoglycemia caused a sharp increase in HIF levels and vessel damage in them. Healthy mice did not show similar changes.

The scientists also tested an experimental compound 32-134D that suppresses HIF. The drug prevented the destruction of the vascular barrier in diabetic mice when administered before episodes of hypoglycemia.

"Our data explain why patients with diabetes, especially when starting intensive therapy, may experience deterioration in vision," explained the lead author of the work, Dr. Akrit Sodhi. - "This also confirms the therapeutic potential of drugs aimed at suppressing HIF in the fight against diabetic retinopathy".